This is a no-brainer. We become like the people we hang out with. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." Seriously, I don't understand why anybody would allow an ongoing negative person into their life! It's just stupid.

There is a "Christian" radio station in Milwaukee called WVCY. One of their daily shows is called, "Crosstalk". The couple of times I've listened to it has left me nearly suicidal. I literally wanted to shoot myself in the head. And no, I am not exaggerating. Every program is about how messed up America is... how pathetic the church is... or how apathetic Christians are. What's the result? A bunch of angry and ticked off Christians.

Negative people are a drain. But they also have lots of power. With their words or demeanor they can ruin someone's day. Over time, they can persuade an optimistic person to see things in a pessimistic way. They constantly point out the wrongs in other people or other ministries. They like to share their "concerns". They have lots of suggestions on how things should be done differently.

Don't be fooled. Negative people don't actually do anything productive themselves. They just destroy and discourage others. Run from them. Stay away. Give them the bird if you need to. Have nothing to do with ongoing negative people. Philippians 4:8 clearly lays out the type of thinking and people we should allow into our lives. Look for positive people and surround yourself with them.